In The Times Of Fairy Tails

Conrad Heinrich Adelbrecht Carsten von Eisenstein II

The things the young girl said could come from only two people here or atleast he was aware of only two people that could do so. There was Vance on one end and really he was a twat but not such a twat he'd tell the young girl such nonsense, sure there were always a few rotten apples that spoil the bunch but the person who said everyone was evil and out for their money was clearly delusional and there was only one person he knew to be delusional enough for that. Lady Nessa the paragon of light and justice oh wait he got her confuse with someone else in his drunkness. "This person is delusional while there are people out there who wish to rob us blind, but it's hardly everyone. The person who told you this is seeing danger where there is none, while there is always a risk of trusting the wrong person, not everyone is the same. As for this Guild, we're all guildmates here, the only form of hierarchy that exists, that I am aware of is Guildmaster and S-classes and the remainder, all equals. Send the person who told you this bullcrap my regards and if they have a problem with it to come and find me." Conrad said to the young girl, what must the young girl even be thinking? This looked like a party and he looked like a mess. He hoped that was all she wanted from him so he could get back to getting pissed.

 

​

As he calmed down Malkira was beginning to feel a bit like an intruder in their conversation, his piercing gaze on Ra calmed down and he turned to the man "I don't believe we've met" he said, proffering a granite hand "I'm Malkira, former champion of the East. Don't worry, there is a human soul inside this rocky visage" he felt that he might as well try to act nice with prettyboy, for Calxiyn's sake if nothing else "So what were you two talking about?"

​

Gexln looked like he wanted to drop kick Damian out of the window but luckily a new guy arrived just in time "Virgin Cuba Libre? That sounds nice" Damian didn't have enough experience of drinks to realise it was just coke. But Gexln just went mad. For a moment Damian wanted to run away, but anger took over from his fear "Excuse me? Who are you calling bitch? You're just an idiot, at least I can have a good time without drinking foul substances that would make me really regret this in the morning. Stop harassing me and go back to dancing badly, seriously, I've seen better moves performed by a frightened chicken" Damian turned away from the drunkards towards the bar where the considerably more reasonable person stood.

 

It seemed that Nessa was not one for pulling punches and he immediately felt himself enveloped in the folds of the political game. He knew immediately that she was out for something, though what... He was not sure. In any case, her pleasantries were forced and she was really out to get him for conversing with Shani. He expected that, to an extent. It looked as if he was going to have to spin things a little. Tell half the truth.
"How am I to stop being associated with? They approached me in a tavern whilst I was out with the guild and we conversed. It seems as if they have taken a liking to me and have found me here." Vance replied, telling no lie. That was in fact, what happened. "'Tis only natural really. I am of course one of our class and it would serve them well to ingratiate themselves with me. I suspect there are motives behind the encounter. In any case, there is a certain amount of value to be had. As we are of course, the leading class, it is worthwhile knowing a little of people. It can broaden one's horizons and give them greater understanding by talking with certain of the common folk. It is why Kings may stoop to speak to beggars, to understand them and gain some popularity with the people. Similarly, if my name spreads as a friend to the commoners, then I may gain better service and greater loyalty when I take control. " This was not entirely a lie either. From what he could tell, these people were fairly widespread and as a result if he was known to be decent then they might work better with him on Dorian land once he took his seat as the lord of the family. Certain things however, he did not intend to mention. Including how talking to them was actually refreshing, and upon hindsight it was enjoyable. Then, he launched into his counter.
"Say, what is troubling to you? Surely there is nothing about my attempts to garner some popularity and a name for myself with the common folk that would offend you? If there is, please express your concerns. After all, I greatly value the links that I have with my own class and naturally I would not wish to offend the delicate sensibilities of our kind." He said. "Not to mention your own of course. You are a valued friend after all." Now then, how would this be received? He noticed the threat that she made but chose not to respond to it. After all, there was no real danger to his position. If she tried anything, he had the political upper hand. She was a cripple which set her out of the sights of many noblemen, and the prestige which may have belonged to her father was not squarely in her own lap. Indeed, she had failed to find herself a husband as far as he could tell. That spoke wonders for her situation.
"Oh, and I almost forgot. How fares the competition? Have you a husband?" He allowed himself a little passive hostility, which was a fair response to her own thinly veiled threat.​

 

"I has't not a husband yet, mine lord." Her voice trailed off. "You suspect false motives and yet thee still decideth to speaketh with those folk? That is a dangerous game, mine lord." Nessa spoke. "Oh, of course I am not offended, lest I just worri'd about thy thither " Nessa gestured to Thea. "I suspect those may capture that lady and taketh that lady for a ransom. As thou hath said, thither art moo of those folk then thither art of yourself and thy guild. Aren't thee worried about thy daughters safety? I've hath heard the most horrible stories..."




Shani got up from her chair, but Florica held arm and pulled her back down. "He suspects us to have 'horrible motives'?" She spat at Florica. "Let me go Florica. If not to speak with him then to let me leave I want no more part in this."

"If you go over and cause a scene you'll prove her point and we don't want that. What would they Roi des Thunes say if he found out we had angered a noble women?" Florica hissed back at her, though her voice was still quiet. "There seems to be some kind of competition for her hand, we could tell his majesty and possibly be able to pay off the debt at the tavern. Then we won't have to move again. We won't be able to do any of that if you go and intrude."

"To hell with her money, I'm starting to want her blood." Shani put her hand on her pistol.

"What has gotten into you? I've never seen you act this way before and this is unbecoming of a person, never mind of a women as intelligent or intense." Florica whispered to her. Shani looked away, almost embarrassed and she didn't reply. Florica looked at her questionably. "Do you have feelings for him? The worse violation of the marimé code is if you were to marry a gadjo. He will never adopt the way of life we have and he would never be accepted. You've already gotten away with quite a bit. I know that The King is accepting and understanding but even still... Shani..."

Shani nodded though she looked away from Florica, her demeanor changing. "Let's leave soon."

 

Nessa's attitude was quite stereotypical. It was an attitude that he once had held, however when it came down it, he couldn't imagine Shani, Florica, Zéphyros/ine nor their enigmatic leader actually kidnapping Thea. It just didn't sound right. Shani certainly would not. It wasn't in her character. She was certainly feisty and fiery, but she wasn't a kidnapper. It was at this point which he realised exactly what was going through his head. He was being... Critical? Of his own people? Vance felt disturbed by this realisation. He was starting to think like Conrad might. To think that he would consider the view of the noble classes in a critical manner... It was unthinkable but unquestionably happening. His thoughts drifted to Shani for a moment. What have you done to me...? He couldn't afford to distract himself now, however. There was time to think later.
"I hold the safety of Thea in highest regard, but I believe that she is safe here. No harm to her will come while she remains in this hall, of that I am confident. I also do not believe that these people intend her any harm. I've seen no sign of any untoward intentions towards my daughter. I doubt that they would do such a thing. From what I can tell from my speaking to them, they are a community minded people. I do not believe therefore that they have any particular reason to harm her, and I do not believe they have any intentions to harm me either - Do not mistake me." Vance replied. He felt like he should say something in their defence, because Nessa's accusations were simply wrong. "If anything, I believe that they would try and convince me to help them out, but certainly not intend me any harm. Indeed, I found them surprisingly open. Truly, the only way to tell if one does indeed have motives, is to speak to them and uncover it yourself. I have no intention of continuing discourse should they prove false, but for now I am confident that I am making an intelligent and practical decision. Have faith in me Nessa - I know what I am doing and as you saw in the tournament, should the worst come I am more than capable of defending myself." ​

 

Nessa said nothing in response to Vance, but looked over at Shani. She noticed that the girls demeanor had changed. Nessa laughed. "It's been a pleasure, Vance." She said, promptly ending the conversation.


Shani, not paying attention to the rest of what Vance had said to Nessa, grabbed her cloak and went outside the Guild Hall. "Shani-" Florica called after her. Florica, had, however payed some attention, and sighed heavily.

Shani wandered around outside, the night shadowing her as she walked across the streets. She wondered what would become of her, and she looked around the city. She had to go talk to Clopin.


"Things have been alright. It's odd being in this world again. Time doesn't move as fast as it does in the Kingdom." Clara explained to her. "I've already have talked to my uncle, since I was here. I heard about the tournament and I was overjoyed to be able to attend."

"The Kingdom is almost back to normal now. You can barely tell it left. Clara has been reading through the King's old books, and she's learnt a lot of magic will has led us into a new age." Captain Candy smiled at Alessia.

 

Ra was glad to see that she was feeling at least a little bit better, even if not completely. It wasn't long before Malkira addressed him, introducing himself and offering a stony hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Malkira. My name is Ra." He said, taking the Golem's hand. "I am the leader of the strongest team, Team King." He was curious what kind of magic had lead to the man's current state. "Ah, I had come to congratulate her on her placement in the tournament, and the topic of what magic we were to choose came up. It seems we're both interested in Celestial spirit. In addition, she looks toward the dragon slayers, and I, Arc of Embodiment. What about you? Have you given much thought to what you'll choose?" The man decided not to mention the other parts of the conversation. ​

 

Something seemed wrong about this. Nessa said nothing at all, but only glanced behind him and laughed. Vance looked around curiously to see what she was looking at. Uh oh. Shani was leaving quickly, and she looked none too happy. I lost. The point was never to take a shot at him personally. What she had done was manipulate him into a position where he was unable to give an answer other than the obvious nobility answer, which would certainly upset Shani. He walked right into the trap. In that moment, he felt a distinct sense of disgust for the wheelchair-bound woman in front of him. He exhaled deeply and looked at her pointedly with a displeased expression.
"Kindly avoid using my words to further your own goals. You're impeding my work." Vance spoke sharply with his arms folded. "I can't say that it has been the same to you. I see why you have found no husband. You too, would do well to speak to people below your present status. You might earn a little humility. Remember your place Nessa. You may be your father's daughter, but you are not him. Cause me any further trouble with my business, then I will see your house ruined? Am I clear? I'm sure there are many who would rather the legacy of Lord Thropp be dead and buried rather than to resurface into the hands of an impudent whelp like you who acts far above their station. Now I must repair the damage you've done." Vance turned on his heel, an expression of severe irritation on his face. Even though what he had said to Nessa wasn't exactly true, he still needed to repair the damage. They were a widespread people and he was better off on their side than he was against them. And he did not doubt that if they felt like it, they could potentially do harm. After all, even a peasant's rebellion could be a dangerous thing. With Shani gone, that left him Florica. He cursed as he walked towards her, shaking his head. There were some princesses here. He would make contact with them, see if he could get their support. The intolerable Nessa would never be able to make allies with any of them, so that set him an advantage but he needed to talk to Florica now before Shani did anything rash. He knew she could be impulsive.
"I am absolutely fuming." Vance declared as he approached the fortune teller. He lowered his voice so that only she could hear what he was saying. "That damnable woman put me in such a position where in order to save face with the nobility, I had to give a certain answer, but that ended up pissing off Shani. Now, she's stormed off and I'm likely to have lost a friend, and I've precious few of those here. I'd hoped that she knew better, or at least, that you would have been able to see through what I was saying as lipservice to my own people. Alas, it seems that is not the case. Listen, I cannot catch up to her now, nor do I know where she is going. Florica, I must ask you to send my apologies to Shani and tell her that I would like to explain exactly what happened there. I'll meet her any place she chooses. I want to make this up to her. Her friendship is very special to me. Both of yours are, truthfully. It's rare enough to find friends in a place like this, let alone in so different company." The nobleman paced, irritated and his mind whirling. He had to get Florica to do this so that he could quickly establish diplomatic relations overnight all in order so that he could show off by having a set of princesses in his list of contacts, whose influence he could use to make a better position for himself. That would stop Nessa trying anything, and it would cement him as a definitely noticeable person in politics when he got home. After all, anyone that had royalty amongst their contacts was someone to be reckoned with. He straightened his coat. He could be charming when he needed to be.




"Time moved faster there? Really? I didn't notice that. I guess I was just too busy." Alessia replied, surprised. I really wasn't paying attention. Time moving weirdly over there... I thought I would have noticed it but apparently not. It was a pretty stressful time, what with the snow fairies burning and the impending threats and all... Not to mention Eric. He was kinda distracting. She felt the pain of his death coming back. "Well, I'm glad to hear that the kingdom is getting back together again. You're going to have to tell me a little about this magic that you mentioned. I need to learn some magic. The selection ceremony is going to be soon. Will you be here for that?" If she could just talk, then it would probably go away, right?​

 

Florica shook her head as Vance spoke. "Did you have to give that kind of an answer, though? I saw no gun to your head." Florica told Vance. "There's something you need to understand, my lord, I knew what you were saying was for show and nothing more, but it doesn't change the fact that you cannot put aside your nobility for the sake of your friends. I understand we don't know each other well, but it was also one of your Guild Mates being insulted." Florica paused. Her voice was quiet yet it had a sternness to it as well. "We should hold ourselves with honour, and that we should always be honest and stand up for what we believe in." She then continued, seeming to debate whether or not she should tell Vance the following. "I told Shani, you will never be able to be with her how she would like. You'll already be shunned from the community for a time, and you could never adopt our way. And even if she went against everything, Shani has intense intelligent and sense of self, and if she knew what I knew, that what you were saying was for show she would hate you more then the anger she has now for what you said." Florica couldn't stop once she started. "I know Shani like I know my own mind, and though she is fierce you will never find anyone as trusting or as kind." The words continued to fall out of her mouth. "She trusts you to be on her side as friend, and if you can't do that I'm afraid that she'll want nothing to do with you. And maybe I won't either. I understand the position you feel you are in but I don't accept that you must do what you've done."



"My name is Shani, child." Shani corrected. "Please call me 'Red'." She spoke to Thea. "You didn't hurt my feelings..." She looked at the girl as she spoke. This is Vance's... child? She couldn't help but laugh at the thought, and she laughed even harder when she swore. "It's not very becoming of a lady to swear, I'm sure your father would say." She smiled at Thea endearingly. She knelt down to her level. "I appreciate the apology, but you really did nothing wrong." She continued. "I don't think you have to worry about me spending time with your father anymore, little one..." Her voice trialed off sadly before she tried to give the girl a fake smile. "So the good lord is your father, eh? It must be nice having a big, powerful wizard as a father to protect you. Your father must love you very, very much." Shani spoke sweetly to the girl though this was a side of her she would seldom show to anyone but children.

 

"He seemed to be... happy?" Shani asked curiously. She smiled again at the little girls innocence. She then turned bright red and couldn't seem to speak. A few stutters came out of her but not much else until she breathed deeply. "Um, I, well." She was still frozen in her position, looking away for a moment to keep her composer. "Well, in our tradition, for a female to marry a gadjo would be a worse violation of the marimé code for a Roma, yet I think that overtime they would accept it, as we are in different times then we were many years ago. Marimé is a state of impurity brought on a person by a person. There are a lot of rules surrounding that as well...." Her voice trialed off. "But The King has always been understanding and doesn't mind the marriage as much as long as they are prepared. I'm sure your father would be, if he were to..." She stopped. "But of course he wouldn't. He would need to marry someone of his own status and well-" Then a realization hit her. "You asked about me wanting to, not your father... well..."


"I don't know a lot about your father, young one. I couldn't say, as of, right now. But I do enjoy his company."

 

Conrad Heinrich Adelbrecht Carsten von Eisenstein II

The little girl seemed disturbed by something, it was probably himself in this state. She thanked him for his time and his two cents and then went away after the standard response etiquette demanded. He really didn't care for the formalities, it didn't matter here at all. Did it ever even matter? It was all just a big puppet-show, playing nice with each other while under the table the daggers are being held. He looked around the room watching Vance talking to Nessa, of course he was, it didn't surprise him in the least. Though something seemed off about him. He watched him for a few moments before turning back to Edric. "Now where were we.... ah yes getting pissed." Conrad said grabbing his drink and taking a swig, feeling it burn in his throat. His thoughts seemed to get a bit clouded and he couldn't feel his heart racing any longer. He would expect this was going to hurt very badly in the morning and he wasn't just talking about the hangover. "What do you think? Could she still be out there somewhere... alive?" He asked the man, he had been a guard so he might have run into similar situations before, but Conrad already knew that the chances of it being a disaster were very high.

 

"I see..." Vance began. What should he say to that? Clearly, this would be a moment where he'd have to decide on where his loyalties lay. They were clearly aware of his reasons, but culturally incapable of accepting him and what he was required to do. What she said was right in a way. Honesty was a good policy, an ideal one. But unfortunately, honest didn't get one far in his world. Ultimately, he would go back to his family and re-immerse himself in his world of politics and the chaos associated with it. He would become the new lord of the Dorian house. He would never make it that far if he was to flag and fail now for the sake of a friendship that could, maybe, be replaced. He felt an unfamiliar sharp pain in his chest as he thought that, but he knew that he had no other choice. The nobility walked their path, whatever it took. It may be that he would have to walk it without them. "I understand. The honour of your people is admirable. Sadly, honour does not truly have a place where I come from. It exists as a mirage to hide behind, but truly it does not exist. The ones that wear their honour with pride and uphold it fall to the ones with no such scruples. I am sorry. There was a gun to my head. I either gave that answer, or risk that woman using it against me. I see now that she is a hateful person, and would most certainly have done so. I can't be what you, or Shani want me to be while I walk my path. I will be on your side when I can. However, I'm not one of you."




"Aye, tha' we were." Edric replied, focusing on Conrad again. He reviewed the situation that Conrad had described. His sister was kidnapped by dark mages that appeared seemingly randomly and Conrad was knocked out. There was one thing that seemed pretty important to him. "Now, the thing that strikes me es this- Wha's the deal with tha letter ye mentioned? 'Cos Ee'm thinking tha' the contents o' the letter are pretty important. Who was et from? D'ya ken? Ef et's from the folks who took her, then tha' will give a hint o' their intentions. Might even be a letter from yer sister, ta tell ya somethin'. Since I dinnae ken tha', an' ef ye dinnae ken either, then Ee reckon tha' et's possible." He downed more of his drink and looked at Conrad.
"Now, before ye even think o' some kinda quest ta find her, ye need information. Ye en't gonna do her any help if ye dinnae have a clue where yer goin'. Now, as et happens, we did get an omniscient oracle t'other day." Edric grinned. "If she matters tha' much to ye, ye can ask tha'. It'll ken wha' ye want ta ken. With tha' information, I reckon tha' ye can find her." ​

 

Florica nodded. "I understand. Maybe one day you'll feel differently. You will grow, I imagine, Vance. Sometimes it's better to fall with honour then to succeed with hidden disgrace. I never asked you to be one of us. I don't think you could be." Florica paused. "You must talk to Shani yourself. I only know what I know of her and nothing more, she may feel differently."




"Well..." Shani's voice trailed off. "It wasn't too many people, rather, simply that I needed to clear my head. It's loud in there." Shani ran her hand through her hair. "Maybe we should go back, I'm sure there's somewhere quiet in the Guild Hall. Don't you have a room? That way your father can find you." Shani suggested. She thought about Thea's question. "Well, of course. It's a part of life and tradition. I've thought about in in great detail." She laughed. "But that would require me to get married, and I'm afraid no man would choose me." She chuckled jokingly.

"I have a large ship, in which my crew and I travel all over the world, to different places and find great treasures to bring back to our families." She knelt down to Thea's level, and moved her hand outward as if she were gesturing to the ship, as if it were in front of her. "A child on an adventure like that may be a bit dangerous, unless they're as old as yourself, of course.' Shani continued, unsure of what exactly she meant by that sentence. "Zeph has recently come to me with a job request, but apparently we need a ship and I said that I would take your Guild Mates. Maybe you and your father would both like to come."

 

"I see. Thank you, Florica. Your insight is helpful." Vance replied. "And perhaps you are right in certain situations. However, for me it is different. Honour is a beautiful concept but it is only meaningful when your society appreciates it. In my experience, honour is something that you can look at from a distance and admire, much like a painting. That is why in stories, the heroes are honourable and idealistic. It is a beautiful dream. Sadly, nobody seems to appreciate it in practicality. Instead, the honest people get cheated behind the scenes. Don't get me wrong. we all put up our honest faces, however as you know what there is at face value is not representative of what lies behind. That is the problem with honour. We pretend it, for the sake of fooling the people that don't know better and then do as we wish when we're not face to face. Some don't even pretend." He wasn't going to convince her of anything, but he did want to explain to at least someone the truth of what it was like being in his position. Of course, the one to tell was Shani, but he didn't know where to find her. She could be going anywhere and he was certain that she moved much faster than him, not to mention her sizeable headstart. No, he would wait for another chance to present itself. At this point, either fate would have them meet at some point, or Shani herself would seek him out. Either way, waiting was the best option.
"In any case, I should occupy myself talking to the various people here. I need to make something worthwhile from this night because so far it has been absolutely wonderful." The sarcasm was painfully obvious.​

 

Conrad Heinrich Adelbrecht Carsten von Eisenstein II

Conrad listened to what Edric had to say and he did have a point, not that he was foolish enough to blindly rush ahead without any information. There was an oracle here? Well that would definitely help, but he'd have to formulate his question properly to get the information he needed. The letter what had been in it... he sifted through his thoughts to find the answers. He was certain it hadn't been a letter from his sister. He held his head between his hands as he thought. He realised it wasn't entirely impossible for the letter to have been written by her. "The letter... it was signed with a single letter.... -A while it could have been from my sister... I doubt it... I can't remember much of it.... atleast not right now... maybe tomorrow when I'm thinking more clearly... I remember it generally being the standard if you want to see back your dear daughter you bring us this this and this, the odd thing though were the requests...they didn't exactly ask for money...instead they wanted lacrimas and a rather specific combination of gemstones, I could send my father a request to send me a copy of the letter so we got all the details, it will take a while before it's here though." He spoke, his voice lacking any emotion, something within him had snapped, the last few days had just been too much for him. He felt a song come to him and he softly sang a few lines. "And tomorrow's still unknown, lies condemned and betrayed Now everything is said. See my eyes are full of tears and a cruel price we've paid, but still I can't claim that I'm innocent. Lost..." He had a part in all of it. He couldn't protect his sister. He signed his own right to marry away, though at the moment he couldn't give a damn about it, it didn't matter anyways well not until his father decided he needed to forge a new alliance. He hated it all. He kept him being nobility quiet for just that reason, but he couldn't escape it. Spending those few days with Tessa was a nice change for him, it felt like a sanctuary, a place of safety... There was no turning back, he was banished from that sanctuary, the darkness in him was filling him with more pain, but still it was gone, no way to turn back for eternity. He missed both of them and could barely contain his tears. He grabbed his drink only to find it empty he ordered another one and when it arrived took a large swig from it. He had told the man next to him how he felt, caught in between the lines, failed to protect his sister and the one person he let in close went away.

 

Johanna smiled at him again. "Dale, I've been thinking..." Johanna still held his hand in hers. "I wonder what happened to my family. I think I'm old enough to know the truth, and, I think that now... is just a good time. I want to find these answers. I love the Guild like they're my flesh and blood, but I can't help but wonder..." Johanna fiddled with Dale's fingers with her own, running her fingers along one of the tips of his. She looked at her necklace. "'Together in Paris', the Music box. I wonder what it all means."
​

"It seems we've embarrassed the happy couple, Guild Master." Cassandra chuckled as she spoke to Evanora. She looked on with a kind of quiet pondering.

"What is on your mind, Cassandra?"

"Oh, nothing, Guild Master." Cassandra replied. She then decided to speak what was really on her mind. "Why did you not want Mikasa to go through the Memory Transformation?"

"Moving on doesn't mean you forget about things. It just means you have to accept what's happened and continue living." Evanora replied to her without a second thought. Cassandra looked at her, in almost a shock before she stopped speaking again.

 

Dale sat there happily, listening to Johanna talk while her fingers danced over his own. There was something comforting about the feel of her fingers brushing over his hands. He felt a pleasant tingling in his fingers from where she was entwining hers around his. He was actually glad to hear that Johanna wanted to find out what happened to her family. It seemed unfair to him that such a nice girl had to be alone and without a family. Besides, he'd love to meet her parents now. Maybe, if he was lucky then they could be more than this. Looking at her, he knew it. He could only hope that she felt the same, but it was too soon to ask her about that. No, he would enjoy this.
"Good question. I've never heard of a place called Paris in my life. And well, whoever they are, they were probably reasonably well off. After all, they sent you that music box. They're not cheap." Dale replied, offering a suggestion for part of the puzzle of her parentage. "If you want Johanna, I'll see what I can do to help you. Since I'm your boyfriend now, I should do what I can to help right?" Dale smiled at her, squeezing her hand in his.




Caliborn shook his head and seemed to wake up from some sort of daze, standing in the hall with everyone. Somehow, though he wasn't entirely sure how, he had managed to end up in this party. The last thing he remembered was being in the tower with Mikasa and ambiguously hovering there for a while until he was here. He shrugged. Must have just blanked out. He was probably tired. ​